The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Ruger Mini-30 580 series vs. AK-47

Skans · June 13, 2013, 08:16 AM

The Mini-14 (Mini-30) and AK are completely different designs - not really comparable, except that they are both rugged, durable, neither is prone to breakage, and both will last more than a lifetime. There have been some statements alluding that Mini's are commercial "truck" guns not up to the rigors of the AK. That's just not true.

First, any AK made today is made from a US receiver and old parts from who-knows-where.

Second, the Saiga and many of the other cheaper US builds use the flimsy 1mm receiver. To be fair, some of the builds use 1.5mm receiver, but very few use the 1.6mm that Polytech used.

Third, the fire control parts tend to be made by Tapco, or some other US maker. These parts are not as well made as the fire control parts of the Mini-14.

The biggest drawback of the Mini-14 is the lack of availability of a chrome lined barrel.

June 13, 2013, 08:16 AM	#23
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	The Mini-14 (Mini-30) and AK are completely different designs - not really comparable, except that they are both rugged, durable, neither is prone to breakage, and both will last more than a lifetime. There have been some statements alluding that Mini's are commercial "truck" guns not up to the rigors of the AK. That's just not true. First, any AK made today is made from a US receiver and old parts from who-knows-where. Second, the Saiga and many of the other cheaper US builds use the flimsy 1mm receiver. To be fair, some of the builds use 1.5mm receiver, but very few use the 1.6mm that Polytech used. Third, the fire control parts tend to be made by Tapco, or some other US maker. These parts are not as well made as the fire control parts of the Mini-14. The biggest drawback of the Mini-14 is the lack of availability of a chrome lined barrel.